Area Businesses Highlighted in Inaugural HOF Inductions
Posted
Daniel Riordan-driordan@timesuniononline.com
With so much industry in Kosciusko County, Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. Executive Director George Robertson has wanted to highlight local businesses since he took over his current post.
“One of the things I was struck by when I came here was the fact we are not only the orthopedic capital but that those inventors and innovators were here and had entrepreneurial talent to start companies,” said Robertson. “That and there was a talented workforce to sustain these ventures. This was a trait the county has and it was just incredible to see in how many fields this has happened.”
So as Robertson settled in he wanted to know how to better brand the community and celebrate innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit in Kosciusko County.
So Nov. 3 at 6 p.m., businesses and the public are invited to attend the first induction of members into the Kosciusko County Entrepreneur and Innovation Hall of Fame. A dinner and induction will take place at the 2517 restaurant in Warsaw.
Tickets for the event are $75 and can be purchased by calling 574-265-2601 or emailing kpanchison@kosciuskoedc.com
Unlike other hall of fame ceremonies, not only will the individual who started the company be recognized, but also the company itself, for sustaining and expanding the founder’s vision.
The following individuals and companies will be recognized: – Revra DePuy – DePuy – Hobart and Russell Creighton – Creighton Brothers – Justin O. Zimmer – Zimmer – Howard Brembeck – CTB Inc. – Dane Miller – Biomet – Donald Wentzel – Maple Leaf Farms Inc.
Family members of the innovators will accept, when possible, along with company representatives.
A small book will be available at the dinner that tells the stories of how these companies came to be. Robertson said these books would also be made available to teachers if they wanted to use them in the classroom.
“Each of the six companies have a great story,” said Robertson.
Robertson said the focus for the first round of inductees was on the county’s great wealth generators: orthopedics and agriculture.
Permanent displays will be created for each company and be displayed in the county building. Portable displays will also be made.
Robertson said the inductions were also to illustrate that 70 percent of jobs are created by already existing businesses.
“This is a way to say thank you to these companies that have created jobs, wealth and a good standard of living here,” said Robertson.
At first, Robertson said he was worried multi-national companies like Zimmer and DePuy wouldn’t be impressed by such an honor.
“I can’t believe the response and excitement we’ve received from these companies,” said Robertson. “They receive honors and distinctions but I think it’s something special when it comes from your hometown.”
There are three types of sponsorship available should any business want to get involved in that way.
Enterprise Supporter: $4,000, company receives six dinner tickets, reserved table and presents one of the six inductees of their choice; plus media promotions, program inclusion, recognition at the dinner and ongoing commendation on KEDCo’s website.
Innovation Supporter: $2,500, company receives four dinner tickets, reserved table and presents one of the six inductees; plus media promotions, program inclusion, recognition at the dinner and ongoing commendation on KEDCO’s website.
Entrepreneurship Supporter: $1,000, company receives two dinner tickets, reserved table; plus media promotions, program inclusion, recognition at the dinner and ongoing commendation on KEDCo’s website.
